Students at Bishop Martin High School stepped out of class today to pay honor to San Juan Diego. For the third time a handful of students took part in a torch run and the rest of the student body held a procession this morning as part of the celebrations. Here is a look at that event.

Dalila Ical – Reporting

In keeping with tradition, students ran from the northern border to Orange Walk Town this morning where they were met by the rest of the school population. It is a celebratory occasion says High School Principal Luis Pook.

Luis Pook - High School Principal

“San Juan Diego as you know is the Patron Saint of Bishop Martin High School, he is a Mexican Saint and we embrace the activities that we do here today in honor of our Patron Saint.”

Dalila Ical – Reporter

“You said from the border, what time did they started from there?”

Luis Pook - High School Principal

“We moved from the border around six o’clock and we are here now, the torch runners are here.”

Dalila Ical – Reporter

“About how many students are running?”

Luis Pook - High School Principal

“About forty students.”

Dalila Ical – Reporter

“So is this some sort of spiritual commitment on their behalf, is this something that you asked for volunteers?”

Luis Pook - High School Principal

“Right, the students made a promise to the virgin and sort of like fulfilled their promised as well as they had to practice to be able to make sure that they are fit enough to run, so it is a matter of both physical and spiritual fitness.”

The procession joined the runners when they arrived by Cyberwalk in Orange Walk Town. This is the twelfth year of the procession and the third year the torch run is being held. Each year students are eager to take part says Pook.

Luis Pook - High School Principal

“To make sure we do something to filter out some of them if anything but they are very enthusiastic and they participated a lot and the parents are very supportive as well.”

The procession ended at the Catholic Church where students stayed for a mass after which they were dismissed.

All 348 students took part in the activity this year. According to Pook they also take the opportunity to give thanks for good tidings during the year such as winning the SAGICOR visionary challenge once again.